In Turkey, mosques serve as much more than just a place for people to gather for worship. They are a relic of the ancient civilizations that once ruled over this area and serve as a symbol of the place’s illustrious heritage as a cultural center.
Make it a point to go to the mosques on your next vacation to Turkey if you really want to get a feel for the country’s cultural depth. People from Indonesia would love to visit these famous mosques in Turkey after getting their Turkey visa for Indonesian citizens.
9 Famous Mosques in Turkey
The Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia are the two most popular mosques in Turkey that we have listed as the best historical places to visit in Turkey.
1. The Magnificent Bursa Grand Mosque
The magnificent Grand Mosque of Bursa was constructed during the reign of the Ottoman Empire between the years 1396 and 1399. It is a wonderful example of the authentic Ottoman style of design, which was heavily influenced by the Seljuk style of architecture.
The Grand Mosque of Bursa is the ideal spot to observe ancient Islamic calligraphy because it contains some beautiful displays of Islamic calligraphy that have been imbibed on the walls and columns of the mosque.
The mosque covers an expansive area of 5000 square meters and features a one-of-a-kind rectangular design that is topped with 20 domes and two minarets. Check out these 6 reasons to visit Turkey this year.
2. Rüstem Paşa Mosque (Istanbul)
It is possible that the Rüstem Paşa Mosque is not the most impressive architectural work in terms of Istanbul’s most imperial mosques; yet, the magnificent Iznik tile designs that are included in this mosque are capable of putting all of the more significant projects to shame.
The mosque was designed by the Ottoman architect Sinan and constructed during the reign of Sultan Süleyman I with money provided by Rüstem Paşa, who served as grand vizier.
The stunning Iznik tiles, which are decorated with delicate floral and geometric designs, are used to adorn the interiors as well as the exteriors of the wall.
Because of the mosque’s modest size, it is much simpler to investigate and appreciate the intricately detailed artwork that has been adorning the interior.
Because it is elevated above the roadway, the mosque is difficult for pedestrians to see. To reach the front terrace of the mosque, you will need to first ascend a staircase that is accessible from the street. This staircase will lead you there.
3. Selimiye Mosque (Edirne)
The majestic construction of the Selimiye Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques in Turkey, is spread out over an extended land area of around 28,500 square meters and is located on a hilltop.
The mosque was constructed by Mimar Sinan during the reign of Sultan Selim II of Edirne. The cap of the mosque has a distinctive feature in that it can accommodate up to 6,000 people in the enormous prayer hall.
The mosque is one of the most well-known skyline monuments in Istanbul. The Selimiye Mosque was considered by renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan to be his crowning achievement, and he often referred to it as his “masterpiece.”
In 2011, the Selimiye Mosque became a UNESCO World Heritage Site after being nominated for the honor.
4. Muradiye Mosque (Manisa)
When Sultan Mehmed III became ruler of the Ottoman Empire in 1595, he had previously served as a governor for the empire. Shortly after assuming the throne, he gave the order for the construction of the Muradiye Mosque in the city of Manisa.
In keeping with the practice that had been passed down to him from both his father and his grandfather, he entrusted the renowned architect Sinan with the task of planning this undertaking.
The Muradiye Mosque is one of a kind because it features a flawless amalgamation of high-quality Iznik tile work that covers the entirety of the interior space of the mosque.
Additionally, the exquisitely tiled mihrab and illuminated stained glass detailings of the window give off a remarkable atmosphere within the space. When you enter the mosque, make sure to stop for a moment to view the stunning main door made of marble, which features ornate and exquisite wood carvings.
5. New Mosque (Valide Sultan Mosque)
The New Mosque in Istanbul is one of the largest and last works of the Ottoman dynasty. It was built by the Ottoman family, who were known for their numerous monumental architectural accomplishments.
Construction of the mosque began in 1587 and continued until it was completed in 1665. The mosque was originally known as the Valide Sultan Mosque, which literally translates to “the Queen Mother Mosque.”
This was done as a tribute to Sultan Mehmet III’s mother, who had given the order to commemorate the occasion of her son ascending to the throne by naming the mosque after the Queen Mother.
In addition to its role as a place of worship, the enormous New Mosque also plays an important symbolic and cultural role due to its magnificent architecture and layout within the expansive complex.
6. Divriği Grand Mosque & Darüşşifası (Divriği village)
The Divrigi Grand Mosque is regarded as one of the most aesthetically pleasing mosque complexes in Turkey. It is perched on a hilltop above a small settlement. As a result of the exceptional artistry displayed there, UNESCO has designated it as a World Heritage Site.
The construction of the Ulu Cami, also known as the Grand Mosque, and the Darüşşifas, also known as the Hospital, began in 1228. This was during the time that Anatolia was governed independently by Seljuk-Turk princes before these principalities merged to establish the Ottoman Empire.
The stone gateways are perhaps the most eye-catching and notable aspect of the Divri Grand Mosque. Intricate geometric patterns, floral themes, and animal designs are carved into the surface of each of the four doors, which reach a height of up to 14 meters.
The mosque, with its remarkable construction, is a masterpiece in the annals of Islamic architecture’s long and illustrious history. When you enter the mosque, you will be welcomed by vaulted stonework.
The interiors of the peaceful darüşşifas have been purposefully left unadorned in order to create a stark contrast with the magnificent carvings that are located on the entryway.
7. Suleymaniye Mosque (Istanbul)
The Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Turkey and was designed by the architect Mimar Sinan, who is credited with designing several of Turkey’s most famous mosques.
The Solomon temple’s Dome of the Rocks served as the foundation for the construction of the mosque, which was commissioned by Emperor Suleyman and constructed between 1550 and 1558.
In the prayer hall, which has a large dome with an interior space that is lined by a mihrab made of Iznik tiles, gilded woodwork, and stained-glass windows, you will experience a level of peace that is unparalleled in any other setting.
The great Sultan Suleyman is credited with ushering in the golden age of the Ottoman Empire, during which time this mosque was built. Suleyman boasted that he was the “second Solomon,” and as a result, he gave the order for this mosque to be built.
Today, this mosque stands as a towering monument to the glory days of the Ottoman Empire.
8. Sultanahmet Mosque (Istanbul)
The Sultanahmet Mosque is without a doubt one of the most well-known mosques in all of Turkey. It was built in accordance with the design conceived by Sedefkar Mehmet Aga.
The construction of the mosque, which took place between 1609 and 1616, resulted in a magnificent architectural wonder. Each year, the mosque is visited by thousands of people from different parts of the world.
These people come to the mosque to see the exquisite and intricate construction. Muslims from India would love to visit Sultan Mahmet Mosque after getting a Turkey visa for Indian citizens.
The mosque gained notoriety for being the only one of its sort at the time due to the fact that it was the oldest edifice to have six minarets encircling it.
The beautiful construction shares a few parallels with the Suleymaniye Mosque, and the exclusive use of Iznik tiles lends the Sultanahmet Mosque an elegance that has not been achieved by any other mosque in Istanbul to this very day!
9. Kocatepe Mosque (Ankara)
The construction of the Kocatepe Mosque, which took place between 1967 and 1987, resulted in the creation of a massive building that looms over the sparkling urban scene of Ankara, Turkey.
Due to the enormous size of the towering edifice, it is possible to see it from virtually every vantage point within the city. This exquisite beauty is a flawless blend of Byzantine architecture and neo-classical Ottoman architecture that was inspired by the Selimiye mosque, the Sehzade masjid, and the Sultan Ahmet mosque.
All three mosques are located in the Selimiye district of Istanbul. Check out more amazing attractions in Ankara.
My name is Rashid Nawaz. I have completed my degree in Mass Communication from South Asia University, Lahore, Pakistan. I have started my career as a News reporter and editor from the local Newspaper and now I am writing for different News websites, The Daily News Times is one of those great sites.
